Macb. Bring them before us. [Exit Attendant.[4114]
To be thus is nothing;[4115][4116]
But to be safely thus: our fears in Banquo[4116][4116]
Stick deep; and in his royalty of nature[4116]
Reigns that which would be fear'd: 'tis much he dares,[4116] 50
And, to that dauntless temper of his mind,
He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour
To act in safety. There is none but he
Whose being I do fear: and under him
My Genius is rebuked, as it is said[4117] 55
Mark Antony's was by Cæsar. He chid the sisters,[4117][4118]
When first they put the name of king upon me,
And bade them speak to him; then prophet-like[4119]
They hail'd him father to a line of kings:
Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown 60
And put a barren sceptre in my gripe,
Thence to be wrench'd with an unlineal hand,[4120]
No son of mine succeeding. If 't be so,[4121]
For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind;[4122][4123]
For them the gracious Duncan have I murder'd;[4123] 65
Put rancours in the vessel of my peace[4123]
Only for them, and mine eternal jewel[4123]
Given to the common enemy of man,[4123]
To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings![4123][4124]
Rather than so, come, fate, into the list, 70
And champion me to the utterance! Who's there?[4125]
Re-enter Attendant, with two Murderers.
Now go to the door, and stay there till we call.[4126]
[Exit Attendant.
Was it not yesterday we spoke together?
First Mur. It was, so please your highness.[4127]
Macb. Well then, now[4128]
Have you consider'd of my speeches? Know[4128][4129][4130] 75
That it was he in the times past which held you[4130]
So under fortune, which you thought had been[4130]
Our innocent self: this I made good to you[4130]
In our last conference, pass'd in probation with you,[4130][4131]
How you were borne in hand, how cross'd, the instruments,[4130] 80
Who wrought with them, and all things else that might[4130]
To half a soul and to a notion crazed
Say 'Thus did Banquo.'
First Mur. You made it known to us.[4132]
Macb. I did so; and went further, which is now[4133]
Our point of second meeting. Do you find[4133] 85
Your patience so predominant in your nature,[4133]
That you can let this go? Are you so gospell'd,[4133]
To pray for this good man and for his issue,[4133]
Whose heavy hand hath bow'd you to the grave[4133]
And beggar'd yours for ever?[4133]
First Mur. We are men, my liege.[4133] 90